The Sindh government has announced that the investigation into the Gul Plaza tragedy will be conducted through a judicial commission.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that a letter is being sent to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, requesting that the inquiry be carried out by a serving judge.
He stressed that the decision was not taken under pressure from any political party and that the government is answerable only to the public.
Sharjeel Memon said that the disbursement of compensation cheques to the families of the Gul Plaza victims has already begun. He rejected claims of political influence, stating that some political parties were attempting to politicise the tragedy, while the Sindh government was focused solely on accountability and justice.
He said that following the incident, the Sindh Cabinet formed a committee to review the report prepared by a commission headed by the Karachi Commissioner. The report has now been received and is highly detailed, containing interviews of all relevant individuals.
According to Sharjeel Memon, between 2,000 and 2,500 people were present in the building at the time of the incident.
He revealed that Gul Plaza had undergone two safety audits, but their recommendations were never implemented. The Civil Defence Department had conducted several inspections since 2023 and issued two notices.
He confirmed that 80 precious lives were lost in the tragedy and acknowledged that firefighters faced a severe shortage of water during rescue operations. He paid tribute to the firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty.
The senior minister said that all relevant institutions are being brought under a single command structure. He admitted that Gul Plaza lacked a proper firefighting system and other essential safety measures.
He added that the administration also bore responsibility after being informed of the risks.
Sharjeel Memon said the committee uncovered serious irregularities in the building’s approval and lease documents.
The construction was found to be in violation of the approved building plan, and the Anti-Corruption Department has been directed to take action.
